HARRISBURG - As debate continued Monday over the "Voter ID" bill, state Sen. John Gordner (R-27) defended his support of the legislation last week in the Senate.

"This bill is about keeping the integrity in our elections," Gordner said. "It's very simple: we say that if you want to vote, provide a photo ID."

Gordner believes those opposed to the bill have been less than upfront in making their plea. He told of a "robo-call" he received at his office one day before the vote; a woman in Mount Carmel said she was encouraged by the AARP to call her local senator because, if the bill passed, she would no longer be able to vote.

"I asked her if she had a photo ID, and she asked 'you mean like my driver's license?'" Gordner recalled, telling the woman that's all she needed. "I think the explanation they (AARP) gave was very confusing."

According to the bill, the ID can either be a driver's license or non-driver photo identification issued by PennDOT, a photo ID issued to a local, state or federal government employee, a student ID from an accredited public or private institution of higher learning, or the photo ID of a nursing home, personal care home or assisted living home in the state.

"In this day and age, there are lots of instances where photo IDs must be shown, such as staying in a hotel or setting up a bank account," Gordner said. "It's becoming fairly commonplace."

If a voter does not have an ID, a provisional ballot can be cast and the voter will have six days to prove his or her identity at the county election office.

"It's much like if you get stopped by a police officer without ID, you have 'X' amount of days that you have a valid driver's license," Gordner said.

Opponents say IDs are not needed because widespread voter fraud doesn't exist, but Gordner gave an example of a state Senate race that was overturned in federal court over absentee ballots that weren't completed properly.

"In presidential election years, you see some precincts in Philadelphia that have 70 to 80 percent turnout rates," Gordner said. "That's great, but a little bit suspicious, even with a hotly contested race."

Critics have said it will keep the poor and disabled out as well, but a provision allows for those who need a non-drivers photo identification to get one for free and $3.8 million is available through the Help America Vote Act to educate the public.

If it passes, the law would take effect in September, in time for Election Day 2012 to be the first election to put it in place.

Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) was in session with the state House of Representatives debating the bill when called for comment Monday.

CATAWISSA R.R. - Cooperation with unions and employees make the difference in saving programs at Southern Columbia Area School District.

The district's board of education voted 7-0 Monday to allow the administration, along with BSI Corporate Benefits LLC, to meet with several union representatives and employees to discuss the possible withdrawal from the Central Susquehanna Regional School Employees' Health and Welfare Trust.

Superintendent Charles Reh informed the board that through budget cuts, retirements, reassignments, a four-day week during January and February, and furloughs - all of which have to be approved by the school board - a deficit of about $400,000 remains in the 2012-13 budget. That could be eliminated through a combination of measures.

"The referendum extension could raise $313,000 for Southern," Reh said Monday. "Combine that with a salary pay freeze of $200,000 and health care savings of $220,000, and we could maintain all of our programs and not have any alterations."

BSI President Anthony DaRe said the meeting will show the employees what plan has been negotiated and what it means for the employees.

"Everyone needs to understand that there needs to be some give and take here if we want to keep all of our programs in tact," Reh said.

Board vice president Charles Porter made the motion, seconded by Charlene Cove. Porter, Cove, Michael Yeager, Rick Steele, Tim Vought, Eric Stahley and John Yocum voted for the meeting.

The board also approved the resignation of board member Dawnmarie Buriak, who informed the superintendent that due to health issues, she didn't feel she could serve on the board effectively. She had served on the board since December 2011.

This currently leaves two open seats on the board after Ronald Brobst resigned in January.

A report on other items discussed at the meeting will appear in Wednesday's edition.

SUNBURY - A 21-year-old Sunbury man has been charged with having sexual intercourse with two 14-year-old girls at his residence.

Joe White, of 700 Susquehanna Ave., is in Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $75,000 cash bail after being arraigned on two felony counts of statutory sexual assault and corruption of minors, and two misdemeanor counts of indecent assault.

The charges were filed by Sunbury Sgt. Christopher Blase.

Police received a report Sunday from a friend of White who heard the defendant admit that he had sexual intercourse with two young girls. Through interviews, police learned the identity of one of the girls and subsequently interviewed her. During the interview, the teen confirmed the incident and identified the other female involved, who also confirmed that she engaged in sexual intercourse with White.

Both victims said they told White how old they were before the sexual intercourse occurred.

Police said one of the victims is from Sunbury, while the other resides in Paxinos.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants who waived their cases or were held for court were ordered to appear for plea court May 14 at Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, where they can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Christopher J. Fisher, 28, of 601 W. Market St., Trevorton, waived to court charges of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia relating to a Dec. 8 incident at his residence.

The charges were filed by Trooper William Gangloff of state police at Stonington.

n Charges of hit and run, driving under suspension and driving without insurance filed against Vincent Martz, 24, of Dalmatia, were withdrawn after the defendant paid full restitution in the case.

The charges were filed by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan in connection with a Nov. 28 accident near the intersection of Route 61 and Wal-Mart Supercenter.

n Dana L. Calder, 21, of 322 E. Sunbury St., Apt. 4, Shamokin, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for six months.

The charge was filed by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano in connection with a Nov. 15 incident at 519 N. Coal St.

n Theresa Shepherd, 27, of Shamokin, waived to court multiple charges involving two criminal complaints.

Shepherd waived to court delivery of Oxycodone Hydrochloride, possession with intent to deliver Oxycodone Hyrdrochloride and criminal use of a communication facility.

The charges filed by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano relate to an April 11 incident in Shamokin.

Shepherd also waived to court charges of possession with intent to deliver marijuana, criminal conspiracy, possession of Tramadol, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges filed by Trooper Scott Davis relate to an Aug. 14, 2010, incident in the 100 block of West Montgomery Street in Shamokin.

n Stormie Birster, 21, of West Walnut Street, Coal Township, was held for court after failing to appear for her preliminary hearing on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and underage drinking.

Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II filed the charges in connection with a July 24 incident at Independence and Market streets.

n Jason Brodie, 29, of 804 N. Washington St., Apt. 3, Shamokin, pleaded guilty to harassment and was ordered to pay a $100 fine plus costs. Additional charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct were withdrawn.

Brodie was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II in connection with a Dec. 29 assault at his apartment.

n Two counts of criminal mischief filed by Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver against Rodney J. Blusius, 55, of 5 W. Alpha Ave., Elysburg, were withdrawn when a restitution settlement was reached in the case.

The charges were filed in connection with a March 22, 2011, incident at Shamokin Exxon.

n Stevie Nicole Cokosky, 20, of 669 Bear Valley Ave., Shamokin, waived to court charges of theft from a motor vehicle, loitering and prowling at night, receiving stolen property, theft by unlawful taking and criminal conspiracy.

The charges filed by Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver involve Jan. 12 thefts in the 500 block of East Dewart Street.

n Francine Gerrity, 44, of Gordon, who is currently incarcerated at Schuylkill County Prison in Pottsville, waived to court a charge of unauthorized use of an automobile via video conference.

The charge was filed by Shamokin Patrolman Shane Mowery in connection with an Oct. 26 incident at 615 N. Shamokin St.

n Joshua Isaac Spotts, 20, of 1084 Hickory Road, Dalmatia, waived to court multiple charges involving a Jan. 7 chase on State Routes 2044 and 125 in Zerbe Township.

Trooper William Gangloff of state police at Stonington filed the charges that include fleeing or attempting to elude police, failure to drive in a single lane, failure to use turn signals, careless driving, reckless driving, failure to give information and render aid, accidents involving damage to an unattended vehicle or property and failure to follow general lighting requirements.

Hallowing Run work set for Thursday

LOWER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - A PennDOT maintenance crew is scheduled to replace a large cross pipe beneath Route 4020 (Hallowing Run Road) to improve drainage.

This work will take place between Valley Road and Christmas Road between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday. Traffic will follow a red-arrow detour using Boyer Hill Road and Mile Run Road during the project. School bus traffic will be accommodated when feasible.

Kulpmont Legion to host bloodmobile

KULPMONT - Kulpmont American Legion Post 231 will host an American Red Cross bloodmobile from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday. All healthy donors over 17 years old who weigh at least 110 pounds and haven't given blood for 56 days are welcome.

Auxiliary groups to be honored

THARPTOWN - Geisinger Health System Foundation will host a tea to honor members of the auxiliaries at Geisinger Medical Center, Geisinger Northeast and Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital (G-SACH) at 2 p.m. Monday in the cafeteria at G-SACH.

SHAMOKIN - The city's code office generated $10,417.50 in permits and related fees last month, boosted by a substantial haul for rental property registration.

Landlord-tenant registration fees, which went into effect last year, totaled $4,687.50 - nearly the sum Rick Bozza, code officer, hoped to recoup throughout 2012.

As of March 1, the new initiative generated $8,312.50, easily besting the $4,900 Bozza sought to bring in. The figure topped $9,000 by Tuesday, with Bozza saying he expected to top $10,000 for the year.

There are 106 landlords registered now, some with multiple properties. Bozza said he's targeting between 50 and 60 more landlords for registration.

The revenue will slow throughout the year as more and more individual landlords become registered.

The landlord-tenant ordinance mandates, among other issues, that all Shamokin landlords obtain a $25 annual license registering each of their rental properties, and that they identify all tenants of each rented unit. This applies only to occupied units and does not have to be repaid within one year with a change of tenants.

The ordinance was enacted last summer and took effect in August under a prorated fee of $12.50 per license.

According to the monthly code report provided to city council Monday, the remainder of revenue created by the code office in February was: excavating permits, $2,250; amusement permits, $1,250; building permits, $930; health licenses, $500; market-stall permits, $400; Dumpster permits, $250; zoning applications, $150.

The code office received 48 phone calls and 22 walk-in complaints last month, with Bozza making 61 property visits with communication or visual checks. He wrote 43 warnings, issued three citations, performed five health inspections and visited two fire scenes.

Legion building

Steve Bartos, city clerk, said during Monday's city council meeting that council has applied to Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for a $25,000 grant to replace windows at the American Legion Building in downtown Shamokin.

According to the commission website, if the grant were awarded, it would require a $25,000 cash match from the city.

A number of repairs at the historic building have already been completed, including upgrades to emergency lighting and electrical infrastructure.

Remaining repairs are the installation of panic hardware on a door and installation of two additional lighted exit signs above two doorways.

Bill Milbrand, councilman and director of public buildings, said the last major safety upgrade needed is the installation of a fire alarm system.

City officials previously said a first-floor fire detection system would appease the city's insurance provider, Selective Insurance Group, while installation of systems specific to the second and third floors would follow down the road.

Bartos said an insurance representative would assist with selecting an alarm system.

Milbrand added that a member of Liberty Hose Company will develop a safety plan for the building as part of a firefighter certification requirement.

Council is seeking to lease the basement of the building to a commercial interest. The space is almost wholly gutted and the city would be willing to retrofit it to a potential client's needs, Milbrand said.

Police report

City officers responded to 3,070 calls in February, filed 44 criminal complaints, issued 496 tickets, 29 traffic citations, 25 non-traffic citations, 40 warnings and two parking citations, according to a monthly report filed by Police Chief Edward Griffiths.

SHAMOKIN - A 22-year-old Shamokin man charged with assaulting and attempting to force a 17-year-old Northumberland female to have sex with him in December waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.

Timothy Lee Jeremiah, of 615 N. Shamokin St., waived to court a felony offense of unlawful contact with a minor and misdemeanors of indecent assault by forcible compulsion, indecent assault without consent of the other person, corruption of minors, stalking and simple assault relating to an incident that occurred at 5:30 a.m. Dec. 1 at his residence.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Patrolman William Zalinski.

Jeremiah, who was initially committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury on $20,000 cash bail, was placed Tuesday on unsecured bail, but was recommitted to the county jail on a probation violation.

While being escorted from Gembic's office by state Constables Larry Rompallo and Glenn Masser, Jeremiah claimed he was under the influence of bath salts when he allegedly committed the crimes.

Gembic ordered Jeremiah to appear for plea court May 14 at Northumberland County Courthouse, at which time he can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Jeremiah was represented at the legal proceeding by Northumberland County Public Defender Michael Romance. First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski represented the commonwealth.

Jeremiah is accused of chasing a 17-year-old Northumberland female for approximately two blocks, grabbing the victim by the breast, punching her in the head and physically attempting to force the victim to have sexual contact with him.

On Dec. 1, Patrolmen Nathan Rhodes and Scott Weaver were dispatched to Washington and Commerce streets for a report of a female yelling for help. Police found the victim sitting in a vehicle owned by Lori Hartman, who called the police. Police said the female was extremely disheveled and bleeding from the hands and feet.

Hartman told police she heard the victim yelling for help and crying. Police said the victim was being chased by a man in the area of Commerce and Rock streets and ran to Hartman's car for help.

Police said the victim was later determined to be a missing teen from Northumberland.

During an interview with police on Dec. 7, the victim said she arrived in Shamokin on Nov. 29 and began partying for two days at a friend's house on Bear Valley Avenue, where she was introduced to Jeremiah. The 17-year-old female told police she was forced to leave the home on Bear Valley Avenue on the day of the incident when the owner discovered that she was a missing juvenile.

The victim told police she left the residence and walked toward the downtown area when Jeremiah caught up with her and told her to follow him to his apartment on Shamokin Street, where she could charge her cell phone and contact someone to pick her up.

The teen said she consented to Jeremiah's request.

While at Jeremiah's apartment, the victim said the defendant made sexual advances, despite being told by the victim that she "was not interested in him." She informed the defendant of her age, according to police reports.

The victim said Jeremiah became agitated, grabbed her arms, threw her on a bed and jumped on top of her. The victim said she then began screaming for help when Jeremiah asked if she planned to notify the police.

Police said Jeremiah attempted to remove the victim's pants while the victim kicked at him in defense.

Police said Jeremiah punched the victim and held a pillow to her face during the assault, all the while the victim screamed for help.

The victim told police she was able to kick Jeremiah hard enough to get free; she then grabbed her bag and ran out the door screaming for help.

The victim said Jeremiah ran down a flight of stairs after the victim and unlocked for her an exterior door, allowing her to leave the building.

The female said she was halfway across Shamokin Street when Jeremiah started chasing her.

Hartman informed police that the assailant stopped chasing the teen once he saw her seeking assistance. Hartman said the suspect then retreated east on Commerce Street.

Weaver proceeded east on Commerce Street and encountered Jeremiah at Commerce and Rock streets, where he was taken into custody.

SHAMOKIN - For the first time ever, McDonald's Restaurants in Shamokin and Elysburg will serve students taking the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests (PSSA) a free breakfast.

The free breakfast consists of an Egg McMuffin, Apple Slices, and a small orange juice or 1% milk.

"Studies show students do better on tests if they start the day with a good breakfast. That's why select area McDonald's restaurants are testing a program where they will offer a free breakfast (Egg McMuffin, apple slices and milk or small orange juice) from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. to students taking the PSSA," states Christina Mueller, local McDonald's owner/operator and spokesperson.

"In addition to being parents ourselves, local McDonald's owners are committed to the well being of children within their communities and felt this offer would give students a good start to a very important day," continued Mueller. "This is a program that has been run successfully in other areas of the country for the last three years. We are the first group of McDonald's Restaurants to offer the program in the Northeast."

McDonald's Restaurants in Shamokin and Elysburg, owned and operated by Roland Kissinger, will hand out the breakfasts on Monday, March 19. Both Shamokin Area and Southern Columbia Area, the school districts were the restaurants are localed, will be holding PSSA testing from March 19 to 23.

The details of the offer are as follows: The offer is good in store only and the child must be present. Students under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no group redemption. They also ask that a little extra time in your morning routine be realized for the offer.

The McDonald's PSSA breakfast is a balanced meal: The Egg McMuffin is made with grade A fresh eggs, apple slices supply three times the recommended daily value of Vitamin C and the one percent milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamins D and A.

TREVORTON - A former school director hand-delivered a written complaint to the board president and district solicitor Tuesday night about the alleged computer activity of Line Mountain School District's superintendent.

Charles Sample's move on behalf of Allen Retherford was derided by district resident Brett Schadel, who said the district has greater issues to focus on beyond how David Campbell uses his computer while at work.

Schadel said Campbell frequently works long hours at the district. On snow days, he said the superintendent works from early morning through late night.

If Campbell uses some time for personal use, Schadel alluded that the issue isn't worth harping about.

Sample, however, argued that the issue is significant. Campbell is head of the district and, according to Sample, is breaking district policy on computer activity, and for that he should be held accountable.

In response to Sample's comments to the board, Director David Bartholomew turned to the superintendent and asked, "Mr. Campbell, do you use your home computer for school business?"

"Yes," Campbell replied.

"I rest my case," Bartholomew said.

"What is your case?" Sample asked, further stating that district policy must be upheld.

2,200 posts

Allen and Sarah Retherford questioned Campbell's computer activity during a board meeting last month, alleging they have proof that Campbell has made 2,200 posts on Internet forums over the course of five years and all of it on school time.

Campbell told the Retherford's last month that much of his personal Internet use was conducted during his lunch or break periods.

The Retherford's have been embroiled in a well-publicized controversy with the district board and administrator's over the eligibility of their son, Zain - a state wrestling champion who left the district this year and was not allowed by PIAA officials to wrestle this season at his new school, Benton High School.

Allen Retherford could not make Tuesday's meeting because of a work commitment, Sample said.

Campbell and Laudenslager declined comment Tuesday, and the content of the letter was not discussed during the meeting.

Solicitor Rich Roberts would not release Allen Retherford's letter, citing district privacy and personnel policy.

Elementary concerns

Three district residents voiced concern over the restructuring of Line Mountain School District.

The latest proposal has grades kindergarten through four attending Trevorton Elementary and the remaining students attending the junior-senior high school near Mandata.

That could mean constructing a three-story, four-classroom and storage addition onto the Trevorton building, estimated at $1.9 million, and an eight-classroom addition to the junior-senior high school.

This would also bring the closure of Dalmatia and Leck Kill elementary schools.

Sidney Phillips ripped the proposal, saying he doesn't see a future for Trevorton Elementary and that estimated one-hour bus rides for district students is far too long.

"I can't believe we're putting more money into this building. This should be on life support. It's 80-plus years old," Phillips said.

Phillips noted he was told that the Trevorton building was rebuilt from the ground up in the early 1970s, but that reinvesting in such an old building was the wrong move.

Laudenslager said sending fourth grade students to the junior-senior high school was the biggest concern. In picking the lesser of two evils - long bus rides or sending fourth graders to a junior-senior high school atmosphere - the board went with the former - a move that remains a proposal.

He said the most important issue was ensuring the fourth graders fit educationally into the Line Mountain School District, and that would best be accomplished at Trevorton Elementary.

Phillips also was critical of how the plan changed between January and February - a previous board proposal had students in grades kindergarten through three attending the Trevorton school - and said any building projects should be centralized.

Phyllis Morgan, too, told directors that they should seek a central location, while Michelle Sanzotto said her problem is with sending fifth-grade students to the junior-senior high school.

"I will home school my kid before I do that," she said.

Director Lawrence Neidig reiterated a point that's been made by the board before - directors tried for nine months to seek a central location for an elementary school and came up empty.

Campbell said after the meeting that the proposed elementary addition would allow for five classrooms per grade, providing a uniform number for students progressing from one grade level to the next.

That would mean 25 classrooms for core subjects. The building currently has 21.

At the board's next meeting on March 27 at Trevorton Elementary, which will begin at 6:30 p.m., district officials will present the pros and cons of such an addition along with the potential alternative of utilizing existing space.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi is flirting with a libel suit if he continues to use the word "shyster" in his reference to the Teamsters and its representatives, according to a letter from a Philadelphia lawyer who represents the union.

"You referred to Ty Sees (Teamsters Local 764 secretary-treasurer) as a 'shyster' for pursuing an unfair labor practice charge against the county," attorney Thomas H. Kohn wrote from the law offices of Markowitz & Richman in a March 7 letter. "This is not the first time that you have made such a reference, but it better be the last time you do so."

Kohn, interviewed by phone Tuesday, said it is a "rarity" for the union to produce such a letter.

"Most public officials are more careful in their choice of words," he said.

Clausi said Tuesday he stands by what he said at the county commissioners' meeting on March 6, when he called the Teamsters and Sees shysters for the union's continued pursuit of a grievance involving the layoff of John P. Muncer, one of five assistant district attorneys (ADAs), even though he was rehired by the county as assistant solicitor. Clausi also used the word in a Feb. 2 interview about the issue.

"It's my constitutional right to use whatever language I want," said Clausi, who is on vacation in Florida. "They're not going to scare the taxpayers; they're not going to scare me."

Asked if he thought shyster was too strong of a word, Clausi said, "No. I interpret that to be when someone tells people how to spend their money. Maybe I was wrong; so be it," he said. "But I don't think so. I'm here to fight for the taxpayers."

Nothing 'unscrupulous'

Kohn said the definition of shyster, which he described as a person who is professionally unscrupulous, especially in the practice of law or politics, puts Clausi's right to free speech on thin ice.

"Regardless of what you may personally think about labor unions, an opinion that you have not hesitated to voice publicly in the past, there is nothing 'unscrupulous' about filing an unfair labor practice charge in an effort to protect the integrity of the bargaining unit and the members represented by Local 764," he wrote. "Moreover, if you would take the trouble to look at the actual charge, you will note that it was not even filed by Ty Sees, but rather originated from this office."

Kohn said Clausi is entitled to his opinion, but that as a public official he is accountable for his comments.

"While many of your constituents may find your choice of invectives to be colorful, if not somewhat amusing, neither Mr. Sees nor any other officer of Local 764 views your intemperate remarks in that light," he wrote. "Rather, they properly regard them as libelous, and any further comments of that nature will result in the filing of appropriate legal actions."

Grievance settled

Clausi first used the word shyster in an interview Feb. 2, the day the union filed a grievance over Muncer's release. District Attorney Tony Rosini, after a vote of the county salary board, was forced to trim his ADA staff by one, which he did with Muncer's release on Jan. 25.

Clausi used the word again at last week's county commissioners' meeting and in a follow-up interview. "They're not Teamsters, they're shysters," he said about the union and Sees. Those comments were based on his contention the union won't drop the grievance despite Muncer requesting it to do so.

Clausi said last week it will cost the county $10,000 just to represent itself in the case.

Kohn, however, said the grievance was settled in favor of the union, and he said Rosini supported the grievance because it adversely changed the general working conditions in his office since he lost 20 percent of his ADA staff with Muncer's termination, while the caseload for the remaining four ADAs increased by 25 percent.

Further, Kohn said the county refused to abide by the settlement, prompting the union to file an unfair labor practice charge.

He said the fact Muncer has a new position with the county doesn't change the caseload for the other ADAs.

Battle with Rosini

Meanwhile, Clausi continued his public battle with Rosini Tuesday. The commissioner suggested at last week's meeting that the district attorney's office was functioning fine without a fifth ADA. Rosini responded with a letter to the editor that it's functioning only through the cooperation of the county's four magisterial district judges, who, in order to allow an ADA to be at all hearings, have eliminated some hearing days and now schedule all of their criminal hearings in one half-day.

Because of this, however, Rosini says a backlog of criminal cases is imminent.

"Yes, for the time being, we are treading water, but in the not-to-distant future, it will be over our heads," he wrote.

Rosini also said Clausi didn't speak to him or "anyone in the court system" in reaching his conclusion about the ADA impact.

Clausi disputed that on Tuesday, saying he had spoken to several district magistrates.

Clausi leveled a new criticism at Rosini Tuesday, saying the DA submitted a reimbursement request for about $6 in tolls the DA paid on a recent conference trip.

"He should be ashamed and embarrassed," Clausi said, noting Rosini's $170,000 salary. "That is not a guy who wants to save money."

Rosini did not return a call seeking comment late Tuesday afternoon.

SCRANTON - A regional group with members from the Shamokin area was awarded one of the top honors Saturday at Scranton's 10-division St. Patrick's Day parade.

Members of the Victorian Highwheelers were presented the Jim Egan Memorial Award, given to a group whose parade participation is especially noteworthy and valued. The award was presented by the St. Patrick's Parade Association of Lackawanna County.

Local members of the group include Dan Horengic, John Poponiak and Darlene Straub, all of Coal Township.

The parade, which stepped off from St. Peter's Cathedral, included more than 150 units, 23 bands, among them 15 pipe bands, mummers and more than 12,000 marchers. The Scranton parade is billed as the second largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the country. This year, the parade also saluted the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

The Victorian Highwheelers, an educational nonprofit organization, began more than a decade ago at the Tamaqua Heritage Festival. Since then, the group has made appearances at hundreds of special events, museums and landmarks including the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House, Philadelphia; Belvidere, N.J., Victorian Days; the Thomas Edison Commemoration in Sunbury; Eckley Miners Village, operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and other events in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

Group members demonstrate authentic Victorian highwheels from the 1880s, recognized as the first machines to give man the ability to travel a far distance on land using his own power.

The group will once again be part of Shamokin's Anthracite Heritage Festival on May 25 and 26. The Victorian Highwheelers are expected to take part in the June 30 sesquicentennial of Mount Carmel Borough and the 109th Six County Firemen's Convention parade.

SELINSGROVE - Skyler Deitrick, of Coal Township, is serving an internship at Susquehanna University's Residence Life this spring.

Deitrick's responsibilities include research, reports, assessment of selection process, data entry and email communication. Through the course of the internship, he will gain experience in the area of student affairs.

Deitrick, a sophomore majoring in psychology at Susquehanna University, is a 2010 graduate of Shamokin Area High School. He is a son of Lon Deitrick and Tracy Moore.

Kindergarten registration slated

TREVORTON - The Line Mountain School District will hold kindergarten registration April 11 at Trevorton Elementary and April 12 at Dalmatia Elementary. Registration is by appointment only. Call Trevorton Elementary at 797-3825 or Dalmatia Elementary at 758-6243.

Yard sale supports God's Chuckwagon

LOCUST GAP - An indoor yard sale is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at the former St. Joseph's Church, 110 Church St., to benefit God's Chuckwagon, a free food distribution service conducted each week in Mount Carmel and Shamokin.

MCA students tour plant

MOUNT CARMEL - The Teens in Innovative Educational Structures (TIES) program sponsored a visit for 10 Mount Carmel Area students to tour the International Paper plant in Mount Carmel Township.

Students were introduced to the operations of the plant, which is a worldwide leader in the paper and packaging industry. Students saw the steps that go into printing and packaging the industrial products.

A three-year 21st Century Community Learning Center grant program, TIES is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and administered by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU).

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; shopping at Lycoming Mall, van leaves at 9 a.m., cost is $2; bridge, 12:15 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; a representative from Action Health speaking on "Health Trivia," with pinochle and Pokeno to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Shamokin Wii bowlers will travel to Northumberland SAC to bowl against Team 1, 9 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Northumberland Wii bowlers will travel to Shamokin, 9 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Membership dues for 2012 are $7 and are now due. You can come in any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to pay, or send in a check or money order with a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive your membership card.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; chit chat, 10 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; computer class, 1 to 3 p.m.

Wednesday - Last day to place orders for grab and go breakfast; Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; VNA blood pressure/blood sugar screenings, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; music memories, 10 a.m.; exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Winnie the Pooh Easter visit to the center, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Sunday - Pinochle and rummy, 1:30 p.m.

Monday - Bean bag with Wii to follow, 10:30 a.m.; Loaded Questions, noon; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii in the morning; blanket making, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle-cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii in the morning; Bunco, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii in the morning; LIFE Geisinger's Mark Varano speaking on "Maintaining Your Independence," noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; evening cards, 4 p.m.

Friday - Wii in the morning; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Sunday - A day trip to the Aristes Fire Company to sell Easter candy, 9 a.m. to noon.

Monday - Breakfast to be served, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.; "Bakeless bake sale" to be held.

Tuesday - Bring a friend day for the first day of spring.

Wednesday - Celebrating March birthdays.

Thursday - Program on Gene Lawerence on "Final Expenses," 10:30 a.m.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Family Medical blood pressure screening, 10 to 11 a.m.; LIFE Geisinger presenting a program on "Maintaining Your Independence," 11 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Friday - A representative from Central Susquehanna Opportunities will be here from 9 to 11:15 a.m. to do income taxes; crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

by justin strawser

RANSHAW - A local rock band will be joined by the drummer of Breaking Benjamin and Black Label Society Saturday night at the Brady Fire Company.

Mount Carmel band True Becoming will play with Chad Szeliga during two shows at the building at 700 Maple St. at 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

The 5 p.m. show will be for all ages and will end at 8:15 p.m. No bags or outside beverages will be permitted in the building and re-entry will not be allowed.

The 9:30 p.m. show will be for ages 21 and up only.

Admission is $7.

True Becoming has played with Fuel, Candlebox, Pop Evil, Candlight Red and other national artists while working on an album and playing at bars and clubs throughout central Pennsylvania.

The band released its first EP "The Fight" in June, and they are currently working on a new full length album due out sometime in 2012.

Szeliga, who currently resides in Wilkes-Barre, has been the drummer of Breaking Benjamin since 2005 and of Black Label Society since 2011. He has also been associated with Switched, OurAfter and Hourcast.

Roger Brennan of Brady Fire Company said True Becoming often averages 380 people at their venues in the township.

(continued from Tuesday)

Deborah A. Korbich from Barbara Chervanik, C.R. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Dampman, Leo and Mary Mulhall, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Ed and Mary Jo Christiano, Edward and Jaralai Christiano, Rich and Sharon Proctor, Corey Proctor and Alicia Kopinski, Billy, Larissa and Korbich kids, Virginia and Bill Korbich, Betty Morgan and family, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sickora and family, John and Mary Louise Woytowich, Chris and Karen Dutchess, Anita Ruane and family, Mr. and Mrs. David McAnnaney, Don and Marian Myers, Meg and Charles Bartol, Jim Flanagan, Marion and Chet Stesney, Dr. and Mrs. Sudhir Khanna and family, John and Susan Demsko, John and Joanne McKay, Dennis and Susan Christiana, Barbara Lizzul and family, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Ozga, Christopher and Kathleen Korbich, Jennifer Korbich, Ryan and Elizabeth Powell, Don and Joannie Yuricich, David and Joann Shinksie, Don and Joannie Yuricich, Frank J. Trembulak, Dennis and Trudi Carespodi, Anonymous, Mr. and Mrs. Don Van Shura, Mary Alice and Harvey Krebs, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Feudale, Barb Kelley, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Leavens, John and Karen Labosky, employees of Miller Gas and Oil Service, Edward and Tracey Madden, Richard and Ann Weikel and family, Mike and Jane Klembara, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, Paul and Pat Metrocavage, Paul Metrocavage and Ann, James and Patricia Kelley and family, Sandy and Jim Zurick, Michael and Rita Timco, Sue and Joe Pinamonti and family, Don and Mary Rosini, Nicholas and Carol Catino, Your Friends at Indian Hills, Elizabeth Katona and family, Steve and Connie Dunleavy, John and Annamarie Voloshin, Frank and Mary Sawicki, Dr. Gurdial and Susan Singh and family, Don, Sharon and Marissa Betz, Dr. and Mrs. Edward V. Twiggar, Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas Spock, Robert, Joan and Maria Kidron.

William E. Rosini from Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sickora and family, John and Mary Louise Woytowich, Joanne Chesney, Chris and Karen Dutchess, Anita Ruane and family, Tom and Cindi Carl, Connie and Jack Wheary, John F. Wheary, Michelle (Corcoran) Wheary, Christine (Wheary) Deramo, Jennifer Wheary, Mr. and Mrs. David McAnnaney, Don and Marian Myers, Meg and Charles Bartol, Jim Flanagan, Marion and Chet Stesney, Peggy Bednarchik, John and Susan Demsko, John and Joanne McKay, Dennis and Susan Christiana, Mary Ellen and Joe Candelora, Barbara Lizzul and family, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Leo and Mary Mulhall, Billy, Larissa and Korbich kids, Virginia and Bill Korbich, Ann and John Benedict, Charles R. Williams, Tom, June and Marcus O'Brien, Anonymous, Barbara A. Lohnstein, Midvale Industries, Inc., Harry R. Defler Corporation, Mary Alice and Harvey Krebs, Centralia Coal Sales Company, Carol and John Kleback and family, Shannan and John MacLachlan and family, Coralia and James MacLachlan and family, Jane and James MacLachlan, Hazelton Shaft Corporation, Joseph V. Senulis, Kerwick Insurance Agency, Inc., Coal Contractors (1991) Incorporated, Barb Kelley, Dr. and Mrs. Sudhir Khanna and family, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Leavens, Mr. and Mrs. John Dabulis and family, Our Lady of Hope Bible Study Group, Annette and Peter Zalanowski, Don and Susan Davidson, George L. and Catherine McCarron, Daniel Brewer, Nicholas and Carol Catino, Camellia D. Sanders, Ken and Charlotte (Rosini) Siecklicki, John Perry, Mary B. Kirkhoff, Rose Tominovich, David Czarnichi, Msgr. William Richardson, Marlene Richardson-Poland, Charlene Broadwater, Mary Dakshaw, Catherine Haile, Andy Reed, Robert F. Golden, Tom and Kay Herrity, James Maurer, Carol Knight, Anne Potter, Ann Gayeski, Anne Ohme, Casper Brown, Susan Schmidt, Lillian Quimby, John F. Domzalski, Esq., Michael Domzalski, Monica Martin, Suzanne Domzalski, Don and Joannie Yuricich, Christopher and Kathleen Korbich, Crown Coal and Coke Company, Albarell Electric, Inc., Margaret Rosini, Rose Marie Zawalick, Dr. and Mrs. William T. Lewis, Nicole Richards and family, Atty. and Mrs. Myron Moskowitz, NAPA Auto Parts, Rose Marie Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Zielinskie, Dennis and Trudi Carespodi, Sally Kanaskie, Robert, Jessica, Bailey and Riley Trell, Frank J. Trembulak, Renee Cieslukowski, Alexander and Elizabeth MacLachlan, John B. Apple, David and Joann Shinksie, Boettcher and Hornak families, Michael and Jane Klembara, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, Barbara and Carol Jones, Jeff and Maria Pancher and family, Paul Metrocavage and Ann, Paul and Pat Metrocavage, James and Patricia Kelley and family, Sandy and Jim Zurick, Michael and Rita Timco, Your Friends at Indian Hills, Mrs. Elizabeth Katona and family, Steve and Connie Dunleavy, John and Annamarie Voloshin, Frank and Mary Sawicki, Dr. Gurdial and Susan Singh and family, Don, Sharon and Marissa Betz, Dr. and Mrs. Edward V. Twiggar, Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas Spock, Dennis and Susan Rosini, Florence Rosini, Barbara Rosini, Michael A. Rosini, Ronald Rosini, Cindi Kress, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden, Elbeco Incorporated, Pat Engle, William and Jane Anne Alter, Stacy Caruso, Heather Taylor, Howard and Louise Howal and Charles and Barbara Sherupski.

Theodore Vinitski from Mark Vinitski.

Patricia L. Reigle from Rosalie K. Okrasinski and Anonymous.

Charles M. Zlockie from Educators Credit Union.

Sandra Fodor from Ann Weikel.

Shirley Wetzel from Ann Weikel.

Mildred Polyniak from MaryAnn Balonis, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Balonis and family and Don and Joannie Yuricich.

Anita Gurski from Howard and Theresa Sandri, Elizabeth Homiak, Joann Higgins, David and Joann Shinskie, Leo and Mary Mulhall, Rocco and Fortunata Roma, Howard and Louise Howal, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Reiprish, Michael Reiprish, Mr. and Mrs. John Reiprish, Chris Reiprish, John and Joanne McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, John and Diane Fabrizio, Dennis and Susan Christiana, Mr. and Mrs. James Kelley and family and Michael and Rita Timco.

Al Nezerski Sr. from Don and Joannie Yuricich.

Nellie Nezerski from Don and Joannie Yuricich.

Alfie Nezerski from Don and Joannie Yuricich.

Mary Sedlock from Don and Joannie Yuricich.

Catherine Yuricich from Don and Joannie Yuricich.

Dominic Yuricich from Don and Joannie Yuricich.

Rosemarie Yuricich from Don and Joannie Yuricich.

Irene Labanoski from Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, Mr. and Mrs. John Reiprish, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Reiprish, Michael Reiprish and Chris Reiprish.

Sandra Poponiak from Mr. and Mrs. John Reiprish.

Walter J. Czech from Mr. and Mrs. James Kelley and family.

James P. Kelley from Mr. and Mrs. James Kelley and family.

Kathy (Jurewicz) Roma from Denny and Kathy Richie.

SHAMOKIN - Sometimes, it is good to know you can count on your neighbors. Kathy Petrovich, of 34 N. Second Street, found that out late Wednesday morning when Aries, her one-and-a- half-year-old female Siberian Husky, went on an ill-advised jaunt on her porch roof from a second story bedroom window in which the screen was left open.

"She was in my bedroom, I called her to come downstairs and I didn't think anything of it when she didn't come," Petrovich said.

Soon, her neighbor across the street knocked on her door to let her know that her dog was on the roof.

Aries walked onto the adjoining porch roof of Nick Bressi and his mother, Diana, at 36 N.Second St. The homes are connected and are the same level. Aries then jumped down onto the roof of the home adjacent to the Bressi's which is a few feet lower.

The Bressi's tried to persuade Aries back into their home through the second floor window. Meanwhile, a small crowd gathered to see what was going on.

Fearing the dog would jump, Nick decided to go out and grab it.

"I climbed out on the roof and I tried to call her over with a cookie. She wouldn't come because the roof is pitched." Bressi said, adding that he was afraid of being on the roof, but didn't want to see a dog get hurt.

Once Bressi grabbed the pooch and got her safely inside his house, the small crowd applauded knowing they were both safe.

"Thank God for my neighbors, Nick and Diane," Petrovich said a few hours after the incident.

TREVORTON - Line Mountain School District may have to write off approximately $567,000 in delinquent occupation and per capita taxes.

Statewide Tax Recovery is contracted by the district to collect delinquencies for both taxes. In a letter to district administration, the firm will no longer seek to recoup back taxes further than five years.

Philip Rapant, district business administrator, told the board during Tuesday's meeting at the Trevorton Elementary cafeteria that the bulk of the unpaid taxes referenced in the firm's letter span between 1987 and 2005. Another $17,900 dates further back, he said.

About 80 percent of district residents pay their per capita taxes on time; 75 percent for occupation tax.

When the delinquencies are turned over annually, Statewide Tax Recovery is able to recover about 50 percent within five years, Rapant said.

Rapant asked directors if the district should consider seeking an alternative firm willing to pursue back taxes beyond five years.

If a better option exists, board President Troy Laudenslager told Rapant to pursue it. Outside of that, the district has no other option, he said.

Director Lawrence Neidig, the board treasurer, said the delinquent recovery rate is quite successful given the difficulties in collecting occupation and per capita taxes.

He said people moving into and out of the district can often fly under the radar on such taxes, specifically the occupation tax.

"That's the problem with the occupation tax. It's a declining issue and is awfully hard to collect," he said.

The alternative, Neidig said, would be to eliminate the occupation tax altogether and make up the difference through the earned income tax. However, that would need voter approval.

Such a move was voted down the past two years in Mount Carmel Area School District. Officials there believed the public was under the mistaken impression that it would have constituted a tax increase when it is, in actuality, a tax shift.

Delinquent property taxes are collected by Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau.

Board vacancy

Five applications were received by district residents interested in filling a vacancy on the school board: Roger Babnew, Frank Hanlon, Laurie Johnson, Melodee Lesher and Ron Neidig.

Johnson and Neidig were each in attendance at Tuesday's meeting.

All five will be interviewed at the start of the next board meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 27 at the Trevorton Elementary cafeteria. The interviews are open to the public.

The vacancy was created last month with the resignation of Bryan Buddock, who served as director of Region 1.

Whomever school directors choose to fill out the nine-member board will serve out the remaining two years of Buddock's vacated term.

Facility proposal

Jeffrey Lagerman, athletic director, asked directors to consider cutting down a strand of jack pine trees behind the high school football stadium.

He said by cutting down a majority of the trees, it would open up the facility for easier access for a rear parking lot and allow for an additional stadium entryway to be installed.

A walkway and additional lighting would be needed, he said; however, by cutting away the trees, it would allow more natural light in the area.

Laudenslager said that years ago the trees looked great. Now, he said, many are diseased.

The board will consider the request.

In other business, the board:

- Purchased computer hardware for Internet content filtering and network management through Micro Technology Group Inc., Bristol, at a cost of $4,299;

- Allowed the following to serve on the school wellness/advisory committee: Laudenslager, Superintendent David Campbell, Sarah Biegert, Britton Heim, Tammy Heim, Jill Yisrael, Cinda Grimm, Jennifer Heitzman and Joanna Hovenstine;

- Heard from Campbell, who said an entry fee will be charged at all district sporting events next year;

- Adopted the first reading of policies on student wellness and commercial sponsorship;

- Approved the 2012-13 operating budget of $1,283,134 for Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU), of which the district's share is $18,428, along with an additionally estimated $364,309 for CSIU programs;

- Heard from Lawrence Neidig, who said seven CSIU administrators have volunteered to a pay freeze for next school year;

- Adopted the 2012-13 school calendar;

- Will review a request by Spyglass, an auditing contracting firm, to review district telecommunication bills in a cost-recovery effort;

- Approved Anessa Renn as a elementary substitute teacher for the remainder of the school year at a salary of $80 per day worked; Kourtney Heintzelman as scorekeeper for junior varsity softball at a cost of $7 per game; and Cindy Fessler, varsity baseball, $40 per game, junior varsity baseball, $35, and junior high field hockey, $30;

- Was told by Lagerman that participation in spring sports is high - 38 students for baseball, 31 for softball, 28 for middle school field hockey, 20 for track and field;

- Permitted three facility requests - football boosters, junior-senior high school cafeteria, basket bingo, noon to 5 p.m. April 29; First Baptist Church of Trevorton, Trevorton Elementary gymnasium, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 15, for rental fee of $50; and retroactively, wrestling boosters, junior-senior high school cafeteria, postseason wrestling celebration, noon to 4 p.m. March 11.

Campbell presented Keystone cutouts to elementary Principal Jeanne Menko and secondary Principal Jeffrey Roadcap. The cutouts salute each of the district's four schools for achieving Adequate Yearly Progress on state assessment exams.

This year's assessment exams begin Tuesday.

Kindergarten registration will be held by appointment only on April 11 at Trevorton Elementary and April 12 at Dalmatia Elementary. Call Trevorton Elementary at 797-3825 or Dalmatia Elementary at 758-6243 for more information.

An executive session was held after Tuesday's meeting for purposes of personnel and potential litigation. No board action was expected to be taken at the session's conclusion.

SUNBURY - No one was hurt when a small fire ignited inside Sunbury Community Hospital Wednesday evening.

Sunbury Fire Chief Mike Rhoads said a capacitor of a heating unit on the fifth floor "exploded" around 7:30 p.m., causing oil to drip onto hot pipes, starting a small fire.

The fire triggered the hospital's fire detection system, which automatically notified the Northumberland County 911 Center.

Firefighters observed smoke on the fifth floor and located the fire. Damaged was contained to the heating unit.

Rhoads said the hospital is divided into zones, and that no patients were in the zone where the fire started.

Hospital maintenance staff shut down the heating unit. Firefighters left the scene after approximately 45 minutes.

WEIGH SCALES - The Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority awarded construction contracts Wednesday, signaling that the expansion and upgrade of its sewer plant is imminent.

It's assumed once the authority receives the money for the $37 million project that ground will be broken.

A tentative project time line has construction beginning May 21 and ending Nov. 21, 2014.

Michael F. Ronca and Sons Inc., of Bethlehem, was awarded the construction contract after submitting a low bid of $26,233,000. MBR Construction Services Inc., Reading, was awarded a contract for electrical construction with a low bid of $6,360,000.

Sam Rumberger III, interim director of operations, said the Ronca firm is expected to be in the area within a week to find property on which it will store equipment and material.

Bids for the project were opened in late December. However, contracts were held up as loan guarantees were sought and received from the governing bodies of both Coal Township and Shamokin. City council consented after a brief flirtation with the controversial idea of charging a fee for the guarantee.

The guarantees mean a customer rate hike will not be necessary to complete this phase of the sewer separation project. However, as that project moves forward - it's federally mandated that the authority reduce pollutants from reaching Chesapeake Bay via Susquehanna River - it's not unlikely that further rate hikes will be discussed.

Funding to complete the sewer plant project is spread over three different loans and a grant, of which a $17.6 million loan from U.S. Department of Agriculture is the only one requiring a municipal guarantee.

Keefer said the indication from the federal agency is that the authority will not need interim financing in lieu of the permanent financing. The authority is awaiting a letter from the federal agency to make that official.

If interim financing were necessary, the loan would max out at $19 million.

The loan has a 40-year term. The authority was recently approved for a 50-year extension of its existence by Coal Township and Shamokin, allowing it to incur the debt. The authority had been set to expire in 2021.

Inspection and building permit fees from the project to be paid to Ralpho Township total $100,500, authority Solicitor James Zurick said.

Scott Keefer, authority engineer of Great Valley Consultants, said that while the contract calls for the general contractor to pay for the building permit, priced at $34,500, requests for it to pay the $66,000 Uniform Construction Code inspection fee may be contested.